Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
A major LPG theft racket in Khoshevadi, Gangapur tehsil, was busted by a joint operation of the state vigilance team and supply department, seizing goods worth Rs 1.26 crore. Gas was siphoned directly from tankers into 19 kg commercial cylinders and sold on the black market. The scheme involved collusion between tanker drivers, owner Shrihar Chhedi, and local agents.
Acting on a complaint by assistant district supply officer Sandeep Shinde, officials raided the site near Hotel Sai Yash on Vaijapur Road at 9.45 pm Thursday. Two tankers were found with excess gas being siphoned; drivers admitted earning Rs 600 per cylinder, filling 5–6 cylinders per trip. The raid team included Chandrakant Dange, Ganesh Bellale, Sandeep Shinde, Pradeep Kale, and others. Seized items included two tankers, over 35,000 kg of gas, commercial and domestic cylinders, and filling equipment. MIDC Waluj police arrived, completed the seizure formalities, and took the accused and seized goods into custody. Tanker drivers Shrikrishna Dahifale, Miraj Khan, main agent Mahesh Thorat, and owner Shrihar Chhedi have been remanded in police custody until April 5. Police noted the high risk of explosions due to broken tanker seals; the operation site was only 100 meters from Mumbai highway and 0.5 km from Khoshevadi village, highlighting the danger to nearby residents. The illegal operation generated lakhs in profits in a short time while posing severe public safety risks.